Director, Data Research

Role Overview

Oxford Data Plan seeks a Director of Data Research to lead its global Data Research team. This role involves shaping the overall data strategy and developing valuable KPI tracking tools that support investment decision-making. The company provides daily tracked revenue and KPIs for over 250 publicly listed companies worldwide using proprietary modelling combined with first and third-party data, servicing about 100 investment funds. Reporting to the CTO, the Director will head a team of six and collaborate with other technology departments and the Data Partnerships team to innovate in KPI tracking methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and steer Oxford Data Plan's data research strategy alongside CTO and strategic leaders.
• Lead and oversee complex end-to-end data research projects, formulating hypotheses and delivering actionable insights to unlock new KPI trackers.
• Elevate and standardize the process of new data set evaluation to ensure precision and efficiency, minimizing rework.
• Advance the discipline of data valuation, collaborating with evaluation and partnerships teams to optimize cost-benefit decisions on data acquisitions.
• Drive technical excellence by setting and enforcing high standards, expanding the team through hiring, and fostering statistical and technical sophistication.
• Collaborate with AI and DataOps leadership to leverage AI for improved research quality and speed.

Candidate Requirements

• Approximately 10 years of relevant experience in data science, statistics, or a directly related discipline; postgraduate research (PhD or master’s) counts toward this experience. A minimum of 3 years in a managerial or technical leadership role is expected.
• Strong quantitative skills with practical experience in statistical analyses, data modelling, and handling complex, real-world datasets.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL with the capability to review and critique technical work.
• Proven experience working with diverse data sources, including feature engineering and modeling in multiple domains.
• Demonstrated leadership in directing comprehensive research projects from framing to evidenced outcomes.
• Experience leading and growing technical teams, managing managers, and setting high professional standards.
• Sound commercial judgment in data procurement decisions and clear communication with senior stakeholders.
• Effectiveness in communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and cross-department collaboration.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic Series B startup environment with changing priorities and imperfect information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in financial or alternative data, investment research, and familiarity with KPI consumption by funds.
• Knowledge of first-party data collection methods such as expert panels and surveys.
• Experience employing AI to enhance research productivity and data quality.
• Track record of building a sustainable and scalable research or data function within a growing organization.

Additional Information

This position is remote-first; however, preference is given to candidates based in the UK or Europe to work closely with the core team. Oxford Data Plan was established in 2022, currently employs over 70 staff, and focuses on alternative data for real-time business insights.